Bishop Auckland MP Sam Rushworth raised concerns during Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) about the Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust (TEWV). He urged the Prime Minister to back calls for a full inquiry and major reform of the Trust, following a damning report by NHS England and appeals from the loved ones of those affected.
Dr Rushworth has been advocating on behalf of constituents who have shared deeply troubling accounts of care failings within TEWV—some involving tragic and preventable deaths.
Mr Rushworth has hosted the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Rt Hon Wes Streeting MP, in his constituency and has held multiple meetings in Parliament to address concerns about TEWV.
Last month, Rushworth, with MPs Rachel Maskell and Andy McDonald, met with Baroness Merron (Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Patient Safety) and has spoken directly with whistleblowers, bereaved families, and concerned residents.
In addition, he has coordinated cross-party efforts, including co-signing letters with fellow MPs, urging the government to launch a full public inquiry into the Trust.
During PMQs, Mr Rushworth asked:
Between 2021 and 2023 41 mental health patients in the care of TEWV lost their lives leading to a damning report by NHS England, and calls from my constituents for a public enquiry. Its not just historic- my surgeries are still filled with harrowing stories of failure.
Will the Prime Minister join my calls for a public inquiry to get to the bottom of what went wrong—and to rebuild confidence with new, more appropriately sized local NHS mental health trusts, fit to serve the needs of our constituents?
Included in the Prime Minister response was that:
I want to be clear that what happened to the loved ones is unacceptable.
The Health Secretary is currently considering the best way forward so the families will get the answers that they deserve.
It is right that they receive any update first, but I can assure him we will provide that update, just as soon as we’re able to do so..
Following the Prime Minister’s response, Dr Rushworth commented:
My heart goes out to the families of those affected by failures in the mental health trust. I am inspired by their courage and determination—they have fought long and hard for answers and justice.
I was encouraged by the Prime Minister’s response today which sounded to me like the government is preparing to take action, but rightly feels this should first be shared privately with the families. I spoke to the Health Secretary, Wes Streeting, who I know is looking to come back up to the area and meet with them again face to face.
In addition to getting to the bottom of what has gone wrong, we need corrective action. I have reached the view that we need a new Trust, which is smaller and more locally accountable.
Tom Gordon MP said:
No one should be sent hundreds of miles from home in the middle of a mental health crisis, but that’s the reality for too many in Harrogate and Knaresborough.
This isn’t just a service under pressure; it’s one that’s fundamentally broken. TEWV has been letting families down for far too long, and the Government must step in now to stop further harm.
An inquiry may come, but families can’t wait. They need action now, and I’ll keep fighting alongside MPs from all parties to make sure they get it.
